Gutted Widnes give the perfect answer

Jul 31 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

AFTER a week of much off-the-field debate and controversy surrounding the level of rugby Widnes will be playing next season, Vikings players did all of their talking on the pitch with a crushing 40-0 defeat of Dewsbury.

In truth, the Yorkshiremen could hardly have picked a worse weekend to visit the Stobart Stadium Halton with news of the club’s Super League licence rejection still leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many Vikings players, staff and supporters.

Cries of “I’m Widnes ’til I die” rang out around the stadium, as Vikings’ diehard fans showed their support after what has been a difficult week for the club.

The Widnes backlash began almost immediately, when speedy winger Dean Gaskell collected a sweeping pass from John Duffy to put the his side ahead before Tyrer added the extras from close range.

The visitors never really looked like threatening, until try-scorer Gaskell failed to defuse a Tillotson bomb, allowing Rams to touch down.

However, after consulting with his assistant, the referee disallowed the try, much to the bemusement of most of the travelling side.

Vikings capitalised on this stroke of good fortune when the strong- running Iain Morrison burst over to score on 11 minutes.

Rams full-back Lee Lingard, who was in for a busy afternoon, was sent to sin bin, after illegally preventing Widnes scrum-half Matty Smith from collecting his own delicate chip and chase.

This followed a great run and offload from fellow half-back Duffy.

Widnes capitalised on the man advantage, with Richard Fletcher, Steve Tyrer and Paddy Flynn all going over in quick succession.

Tyrer converted all bar one kick to make it 28-0 at the break.

Vikings returned in similarly rampant form, thanks largely to forward surges from their impressive pack.

Duffy released Jim Gannon to go over to score, allowing Steve Tyrer to collect his 50th point since joining Widnes, from in front of the sticks.

The try of the game came courtesy of Gavin Dodd, on for the injured Ian Hardman.

Showing great determination, he skipped past at least six Dewsbury challenges for a wonderful individual try from inside his own half.

Widnes remained in cruise control for much of the rest of a game, which was in effect over by half-time.

While Vikings delivered the best possible response to their Super League rejection, Rams remain rooted to the bottom of the Cooperative National League One and look certain to be relegated.